Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Inverter

2011-07-22T10:23:42Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

Decently well documented inverter system, 2 kW, using transformers:
*Disadvantage: about 70-80% efficient; appears that non-solid state inverters are less efficient than solid state.
*Commercial, solid-state inverters are 90-95% efficient (ex., [http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90137311&listingid=41754101])

Another, smaller-power, less documented example:

http://www.i4at.org/lib2/inverter.htm

= DIY Inverters =

'''Microwave Transfomers'''

I found this site, where they propose to use modified transformers from old microwave ovens, you’d need about 10 broken micros’ and 20 N-type power MOSFET’s for a 9kw unit.

http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_schematic.php?id=609

'''Open Source 100kW Electric Vehicle Controller/Inverter'''

This is a senior project for electrical vehicles. Its out is 3 phase. This could be of interest for the induction furnace. The design is very simple. Not sure if it was ever implemented. It is made mostly from IC's. Maybe these could be replaced to reduce some of the costs.

http://eet.etec.wwu.edu/ahmanna/project/docs/Prodject%20description.pdf

'''Solar Grid-Intertie Inverter'''

http://www.timnolan.com/index.php?page=solar-grid-intertie-inverter

=Scalable Commercial Inverter=

The company MGE UPS seems to have merged with another one named APC, but the concept is good. This inverter is scalable up to 20kw. It looks like the inverters are designed to share some resources and are just connected in series.

http://rep.mgeups.com/3ppdf/s4.pdf

From wikipedia on scalable 3 phase AC:
To construct inverters with higher power ratings, two six-step three-phase inverters can be connected in parallel for a higher current rating or in series for a higher voltage rating. In either case, the output waveforms are phase shifted to obtain a 12-step waveform. If additional inverters are combined, an 18-step inverter is obtained with three inverters etc. Although inverters are usually combined for the purpose of achieving increased voltage or current ratings, the quality of the waveform is improved as well. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverter_%28electrical%29 1]

A FLEXIBLE INVERTER CONTROLLER FOR PROTOTYPES

==See Also==
* [[Inverters_%26_Grid_Intertie]]
* [[Inverter_Concept]]
* [[Arduino_Inverter]]

[[Category: Electronics]]

Inverter

2011-07-22T09:53:31Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

Decently well documented inverter system, 2 kW, using transformers:
*Disadvantage: about 70-80% efficient; appears that non-solid state inverters are less efficient than solid state.
*Commercial, solid-state inverters are 90-95% efficient (ex., [http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90137311&listingid=41754101])

Another, smaller-power, less documented example:

http://www.i4at.org/lib2/inverter.htm

= DIY Inverters =

'''Microwave Transfomers'''

I found this site, where they propose to use modified transformers from old microwave ovens, you’d need about 10 broken micros’ and 20 N-type power MOSFET’s for a 9kw unit.

http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_schematic.php?id=609

'''Open Source 100kW Electric Vehicle Controller/Inverter'''

This is a senior project for electrical vehicles. Its out is 3 phase. This could be of interest for the induction furnace. The design is very simple. Not sure if it was ever implemented. It is made mostly from IC's. Maybe these could be replaced to reduce some of the costs.

http://eet.etec.wwu.edu/ahmanna/project/docs/Prodject%20description.pdf

'''Solar Grid-Intertie Inverter'''

http://www.timnolan.com/index.php?page=solar-grid-intertie-inverter

=Scalable Commercial Inverter=

The company MGE UPS seems to have merged with another one named APC, but the concept is good. This inverter is scalable up to 20kw. It looks like the inverters are designed to share some resources and are just connected in series.

http://rep.mgeups.com/3ppdf/s4.pdf

A FLEXIBLE INVERTER CONTROLLER FOR PROTOTYPES

==See Also==
* [[Inverters_%26_Grid_Intertie]]
* [[Inverter_Concept]]
* [[Arduino_Inverter]]

[[Category: Electronics]]

Talk:Inverter

2011-07-22T09:53:18Z

Tom Fitzpatrick: Created page with "Note: I have access to the ScienceDirect, Scopus, and IEEEXplore databases. Please email if you want any relevant articles. I can them shared up to 3 levels, but not posted. fitz..."

Note:
I have access to the ScienceDirect, Scopus, and IEEEXplore databases. Please email if you want any relevant articles. I can them shared up to 3 levels, but not posted. fitzsnaggle@gmail.com[[User:Tom Fitzpatrick|Tom Fitzpatrick]] 11:53, 22 July 2011 (CEST)

Inverter

2011-07-22T04:22:07Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

Note:
I have access to ScienceDirect, Scopus, and IEEEXplore. Please email for any articles of interest as they can be shared up to 3 levels, but not posted. fitzsnaggle@gmail.com

Decently well documented inverter system, 2 kW, using transformers:
*Disadvantage: about 70-80% efficient; appears that non-solid state inverters are less efficient than solid state.
*Commercial, solid-state inverters are 90-95% efficient (ex., [http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90137311&listingid=41754101])

Another, smaller-power, less documented example:

http://www.i4at.org/lib2/inverter.htm

= DIY Inverters =

I found this site, where they propose to use modified transformers from old microwave ovens, you’d need about 10 broken micros’ and 20 N-type power MOSFET’s for a 9kw unit.

http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_schematic.php?id=609

Open Source 100kW Electric Vehicle Controller/Inverter

This is a senior project for electrical vehicles. Its out is 3 phase. This could be of interest for the induction furnace. The design is very simple. Not sure if it was ever implemented. It is made mostly from IC's. Maybe these could be replaced to reduce some of the costs.

eet.etec.wwu.edu/ahmanna/project/docs/Prodject%20description.pdf

Solar Grid-Intertie Inverter

http://www.timnolan.com/index.php?page=solar-grid-intertie-inverter

=Scalable Commercial Inverter=

This company seems to have merged with another one named APC, but the concept is good. This inverter is scalable up to 20kw. It looks like the inverters are designed to share some resources and are just connected in series.

rep.mgeups.com/3ppdf/s4.pdf

A FLEXIBLE INVERTER CONTROLLER FOR PROTOTYPES

==See Also==
* [[Inverters_%26_Grid_Intertie]]
* [[Inverter_Concept]]
* [[Arduino_Inverter]]

[[Category: Electronics]]

Universal Power Supply

2011-07-14T07:12:30Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

{{Category=Power quality}}

=Definition/Concept=
This is a combination inverter, converter, pulse-width modulation current controller, and high frequency power supply for applications from off-grid power, charge controllers, to power supplies for welders, induction furnaces, and plasma cutters.

[[Universal Power Supply Concept]]

[[Power Electronics Construction Set]]

==Inverter Definition==
An inverter is an electrical device that converts DC voltage from batteries to AC voltage for off-shelf electrical tools and appliances.

=Problem Statement=
A large range of power electronic devices is desirable within the infrastructure of resilient communities. Having an individual power supply for each is redundant and expensive. A modular UPS construction kit is desirable as an analogue to the 'industrial-strength Lego' that we have already demonstrated for heavy mechanical hardware infrastructures.

[[Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply]]

==Inverter Problem Statement==
Off-shelf inverters have about a 2 year lifetime (ref), and 5-10 year lifetime for higher quality models (ref). Lifetime design inverters with plug-in replacement components are required for sustainable communities which use battery storage for electricity. The only other feasible, non-battery, non-fuel energy storage may be via heat storage coupled to thermoelectric generators.

=Development Status and Needs=
We need to identify a subject matter expert with experience in inverter design.

Power Electronics Construction Set

2011-07-14T07:10:16Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

The power electronics pattern language is the language that allows the composition of a Universal Power Supply – a device that powers any electrical devices such as: induction furnace, welder, laser cutter, plasma cutter, inverter, converter, charger, wind turbine charge controller, electric motor controller, and others. The Power Electronics Construction Set (PECS) is the set of techniques and tools for building such a Universal Power Supply. The pattern involved is:

*Allowance for quick-connect input and output of electrical power of any magnitude, including DC and AC of any frequency
*All functinality occurs via plug-in 'black boxes' of functionality
*All control of current, voltage, frequency, and timing occurs internally via a number of modules with quick-connect inputs and outputs
*Current and voltage magnitude scaling is achieved by plug-in addition of components, such as transistors
*Repair of sensitive components is achievable via plug-in of components
*Mechanical clamp-down secures sensitive components and heat sinks
*Scalable cooling mechanism is achieved via plug-in fans or liquid cooling.

[[Category:Pattern Language]][[Category:GVCS]][[Category:Universal Power Supply]]

Category:Universal Power Supply

2011-07-13T06:25:29Z

Tom Fitzpatrick: Created page with "Universal Power Supply"

[[Universal Power Supply]]

Talk:Universal Power Supply/Research Development

2011-07-13T06:17:58Z

Tom Fitzpatrick: Created page with "I would like to discuss how all of these modules fit together. I can think of two schemes. One is stacked modules for scaling up power, [http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie..."

I would like to discuss how all of these modules fit together.

I can think of two schemes. One is stacked modules for scaling up power, [http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370426581731&hlp=false&rvr_id=225757540184&crlp=1_263602_304652&UA=L*F%3F&GUID=32ab97bd12f0a479e757d4e7fedef6a8&itemid=370426581731&ff4=263602_304652/ 1].

For things that don't require scaling so much, we could use a scheme similar to audio racks or disk drives in a computer. A metal frame or container could be constructed with a bus and cooling system on the back. On the front, the modules could be slid into grooves and then supported by clips or screws with there controls on the front panel. If a module broke, it could be slid out, opened, and fixed independently.

A combination of the two would probably be best. Empty computer towers would make a good container for the first prototype as used in this video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPRJuwaEX4&NR=1/ 2]

Universal Power Supply/Research Development

2011-07-13T04:12:12Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

[[Category:Universal Power Supply]]

[[Inverter Concept]]

[[Charge Controller Concept]]

'''Uses'''

The universal power supply contains the power electronics and power supplies for:

* Welders
* Plasma Cutters
* Battery Chargers
* Induction Furnaces
* CO2 Laser Cutters
* Stepper Motors
* Charge Controllers

(1) Powering welders, plasma cutters, battery chargers, induction furnaces, CO2 laser cutters
(2) Inverters for household power from batteries
(3) Voltage regulation/conditioning to get grid-quality power from variable power sources such as windmills, steam engines (especially solar powered)
(4) Battery charging from windmills, steam engines

(the other mechanical components of the above devices are covered as separate tools of the GVCS)

'''Other specifications'''

*Scalability via modular add-on
*Quick disconnect components wherever possible
*Logic circuits millable with basic [[CNC Circuit Mill]]
*Insulators printable with [[3D Printer]] or [[Ceramic 3D Printer]]
*Ability to operate with any voltage from a few volts to 1kV
*Ability to generate any frequency
*Open Source Enclosure - enclosure design that allows maximum scalability and flexibility
*Design for flexible fabrication via [[Open Source Fab Lab]], initially using off-shelf components

In practice, the above will be implemented by refining one functionality after another, and adding modules that will allow for different functions and scales.

We're interested in a universal, modular power conversion device for electricity. I am talking about different modules that can be plugged together for something like a Lego Set of power electronics. Each module would in itself be modular, so it can consist of a number of units connected for scaling current or voltage.

'''Modules'''

* 60 hz electricity at common voltages such as 110 or 220 or 440
* DC current for plasma cutters or welders
* Battery charge-controller current
* High frequency power for induction furnaces
* Regulation of variable voltage (say 60-220 v ac) to charge batteries
* DC-DC conversion.

That just about covers all power devices for advanced civilization, more or less.

'''Design Path'''

The general scheme would be to: (1) rectify a typically oscilating input from some power generating device, if it's not DC already, (2) chop it up, (3) scale it, (4) form it, (5) and finally, spit it out as DC or AC.

We want to create a universal switched mode power supply kit, with some power conditioning and regulation.

Please propose a basic starting circuit with the following specs:
(1) Takes any AC input (from an ac generator) to either battery storage or an inverter/converter.
(2) Specify parts for a system that can runs from 100W to about 20kW for starters. Is this feasible, or is the problem statement ill-defined?

After the above, we'd have to go to 3-phase converters, since many appliances of interest (such as induction furnaces) run off 3-phase.

Universal Power Supply

2011-07-13T04:11:42Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

{{Category=Power quality}}

==Definition/Concept==
This is a combination inverter, converter, pulse-width modulation current controller, and high frequency power supply for applications from off-grid power, charge controllers, to power supplies for welders, induction furnaces, and plasma cutters.

[[Universal Power Supply Concept]]

===Inverter Definition===
An inverter is an electrical device that converts DC voltage from batteries to AC voltage for off-shelf electrical tools and appliances.

==Problem Statement==
A large range of power electronic devices is desirable within the infrastructure of resilient communities. Having an individual power supply for each is redundant and expensive. A modular UPS construction kit is desirable as an analogue to the 'industrial-strength Lego' that we have already demonstrated for heavy mechanical hardware infrastructures.

[[Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply]]

===Inverter Problem Statement===
Off-shelf inverters have about a 2 year lifetime (ref), and 5-10 year lifetime for higher quality models (ref). Lifetime design inverters with plug-in replacement components are required for sustainable communities which use battery storage for electricity. The only other feasible, non-battery, non-fuel energy storage may be via heat storage coupled to thermoelectric generators.

==Development Status and Needs==
We need to identify a subject matter expert with experience in inverter design.

Universal Power Supply

2011-07-13T04:05:55Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

{{Category=Power quality}}

'''Definition''' – This is a combination inverter, converter, pulse-width modulation current controller, and high frequency power supply for applications from off-grid power, charge controllers, to power supplies for welders, induction furnaces, and plasma cutters.

[[Universal Power Supply Concept]]

'''Problem Statement''' – A large range of power electronic devices is desirable within the infrastructure of resilient communities. Having an individual power supply for each is redundant and expensive. A modular UPS construction kit is desirable as an analogue to the 'industrial-strength Lego' that we have already demonstrated for heavy mechanical hardware infrastructures.

[[Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply]]

'''Subset Definition''' – An inverter is an electrical device that converts DC voltage from batteries to AC voltage for off-shelf electrical tools and appliances.

'''Subset Problem Statement''' – Off-shelf inverters have about a 2 year lifetime (ref), and 5-10 year lifetime for higher quality models (ref). Lifetime design inverters with plug-in replacement components are required for sustainable communities which use battery storage for electricity. The only other feasible, non-battery, non-fuel energy storage may be via heat storage coupled to thermoelectric generators.

'''Development Status and Needs''' – We need to identify a subject matter expert with experience in inverter design.

Universal Power Supply/Research Development

2011-07-13T03:57:18Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

[[Category:Universal Power Supply]]

[[Inverter Concept]]

[[Charge Controller Concept]]

[[Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply]]

'''Uses'''

The universal power supply contains the power electronics and power supplies for:

* Welders
* Plasma Cutters
* Battery Chargers
* Induction Furnaces
* CO2 Laser Cutters
* Stepper Motors
* Charge Controllers

(1) Powering welders, plasma cutters, battery chargers, induction furnaces, CO2 laser cutters
(2) Inverters for household power from batteries
(3) Voltage regulation/conditioning to get grid-quality power from variable power sources such as windmills, steam engines (especially solar powered)
(4) Battery charging from windmills, steam engines

(the other mechanical components of the above devices are covered as separate tools of the GVCS)

'''Other specifications'''

*Scalability via modular add-on
*Quick disconnect components wherever possible
*Logic circuits millable with basic [[CNC Circuit Mill]]
*Insulators printable with [[3D Printer]] or [[Ceramic 3D Printer]]
*Ability to operate with any voltage from a few volts to 1kV
*Ability to generate any frequency
*Open Source Enclosure - enclosure design that allows maximum scalability and flexibility
*Design for flexible fabrication via [[Open Source Fab Lab]], initially using off-shelf components

In practice, the above will be implemented by refining one functionality after another, and adding modules that will allow for different functions and scales.

We're interested in a universal, modular power conversion device for electricity. I am talking about different modules that can be plugged together for something like a Lego Set of power electronics. Each module would in itself be modular, so it can consist of a number of units connected for scaling current or voltage.

'''Modules'''

* 60 hz electricity at common voltages such as 110 or 220 or 440
* DC current for plasma cutters or welders
* Battery charge-controller current
* High frequency power for induction furnaces
* Regulation of variable voltage (say 60-220 v ac) to charge batteries
* DC-DC conversion.

That just about covers all power devices for advanced civilization, more or less.

'''Design Path'''

The general scheme would be to: (1) rectify a typically oscilating input from some power generating device, if it's not DC already, (2) chop it up, (3) scale it, (4) form it, (5) and finally, spit it out as DC or AC.

We want to create a universal switched mode power supply kit, with some power conditioning and regulation.

Please propose a basic starting circuit with the following specs:
(1) Takes any AC input (from an ac generator) to either battery storage or an inverter/converter.
(2) Specify parts for a system that can runs from 100W to about 20kW for starters. Is this feasible, or is the problem statement ill-defined?

After the above, we'd have to go to 3-phase converters, since many appliances of interest (such as induction furnaces) run off 3-phase.

Problem Statement for a Universal Power Supply

2011-07-13T03:35:42Z

Tom Fitzpatrick:

{{Category=Power quality}}
We're interested in a universal, modular power conversion device for electricity.

I am talking about different modules that can be plugged together for something like a Lego Set of power electronics. Each module would in itself be modular, so it can consist of a number of units connected for scaling current or voltage.

The modules could create:
* 60 hz electricity at common voltage such as 110 or 220 or 440
* DC current for plasma cutters or welders
* Battery charge-controller current
* High frequency power for induction furnaces
* Regulation of variable voltage (say 60-220 v ac) to charge batteries
* DC-DC conversion.

That just about covers all power devices for advanced civilization, more or less.

Anyway, the general scheme would be to: (1) rectify a typically oscilating input from some power generating device, if it's not DC already, (2) chop it up, (3) scale it, (4) form it, (5) and finally, spit it out as DC or AC.

Anyway, a thesis could be written on the above. We're interested in implementation. Our practical needs at Factor e Farm are:

1. Powering welders, plasma cutters, battery chargers, induction furnaces, CO2 laser cutters
2. Inverters for household power from batteries
3. Voltage regulation/conditioning to get grid-quality power from variable power sources such as windmills, steam engines (especially solar powered)
4. Battery charging from windmills, steam engines

Basically, we want to create a universal switched mode power supply kit, with some power conditioning and regulation.

Can you help on this? Are you interested in this?

If so, please propose a basic starting circuit to take any AC input (from an ac generator), and take it to either battery storage or an inverter/converter.

The first step would be to specify parts for a system that can run from 100W to about 20kW for starters. Is this feasible, or is the problem statement ill-defined?

We have not discussed 3 phase. Afer the above, we'd have to go to 3-phase converters, since many appliances of interest (such as induction furnaces) run off 3-phase.

So if the above is too much, let's start first by defining the problem statement clearly. For us, the problem statement is creating an open source power electronics toolkit for the world, relevant to any post-scarcity community. I'd like it to be modular, in that components can be plugged into the system readily (replacements) of power modules and brain modules alike. This would include plug-in of power-handling components with ready connection to heat sinks.

Inverter

2011-07-13T03:12:24Z

Tom Fitzpatrick: Deleted dead link